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Summary: In celebration of parties
Review: J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" is perhaps one of the best-written books about the advantages of having parties. Written relatively early in his days as an Oxford don, "The Hobbit" is a strongly autobiographical novel about Tolkien and his status as a party man. His reputation as a party enthusiast was so secure, in fact, that Tolkien regularly was the host to impromptu parties as other Oxford and even Cambridge professors would appear uninvited at his home with the expectation of a good meal, some beer or wine, and rousing party games.It is such experiences that form the basis for "The Hobbit." A sedentary fellow, much like Tolkien, Bilbo Baggins finds himself the unassuming host of a party of dwarves (more established professors) and the wizard Gandalf (the president of the university). Wooed by promises of great wealth, and strongly encouraged by Gandalf, Bilbo joins the dwarves on a quest to regain their lost ancestral gold, an action that represents Tolkien's own quest for tenure, a position that, once secured, would guarantee him employment, a place to live, social status, and ultimately a healthy retirement package. The story follows Tolkien-as-Bilbo's journey to the heart of the Lonely Mountain, where he must confront the dragon Smaug (the experience of teaching undergraduate and graduate students) and be swept up in the dramatic Battle of Five Armies, a situation not unlike peer review. And in the course of the story, Bilbo acquires a magical Ring that secures his reputation with the dwarves, much as Tolkien's literary and liguistic prowess, developed through education, secured his position in academia. A thoroughly fascinating and enchanting book, "The Hobbit" will have you wishing again and again for the opportunity to attend more parties and, even more, to host them yourself.
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Summary: Leisurly Read
Review: Hobbit is one of the most invaluable and indispensable classics given to the world of literature by Tolkien.
Content: Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit, comfortably residing in his comfortably furnished "hole in the ground". His relaxed life-style, however, is interrupted by the magician Gandalf who enlists Bilbo as a thief. Reluctantly Bilbo sets out on a pilgrimage with 12 elves to recover a stolen treasure from a dragon. While trying to accomplish their mission, the unlucky crew encounters countless adventures imbued with life-threatening dangers. Exceeding the elves' expectations, Bilbo becomes of great use in these predicaments. The final bloody battle is the climax of the book.
The alluring story line is something that will be parted with reluctance. However lighthearted the novel is, there is some profound symbolism and allusions to real facts. e.g. The final battle in the book is a blatant reference to the events of World War One, through which Tolkien has lived. He was obviously against it, as he demonstrates that myriads of decent, innocent people were obliterated. Also, basically the whole book reverberates the theme of maturing, demonstrated in Bilbo as he transforms from a timid creature to a more heroic persona.
Overall:This is a beautifully written book. The writing style used by Tolkien is commendable. The word choice is charming and amiable. The overall style is simple and lucid, but very enthralling and captivating. Definitely something that can be read for leisure. The same can be said of the story-line. It is very solid and well-knit together, there probably isnt a single loophole to taint its value. Filled with wonderful tales of magic and adventure it is second to none in the fantasy class. One of those childhood books that will be fondly remembered later in life. It is only a shame that the sequels to this wonderful fantasy novel have plummeted in the content aspect and the delightful simplicity of Hobbit.
In addition to Hobbit, I would recommend The Chronicles of Narnia.
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Summary: an excellent read
Review: great for those who enjoy tales of mystical lore
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Summary: The is an awesome book
Review: The Hobbit is the wonderful sequel to the novel The Lord of the Rings. Anybody who has read TLotR and hasn't read the Hobbit defidently needs to, and this is the perfect way to read it. This is one of the best editions of this book available, and it's only [money amount], so what are you waiting for?
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Summary: The Hobbit. A review by a BIG LOTR fan!
Review: This book is awesome! It' rules! In the front of the book there is a map of all the places they went! The book is really good too! In it Bilbo Baggins goes on an adventure with 13 dwarves to retrieve the dwarves' lost treasures that were stolen by a dragon named Smaug. Along the way they fight Goblins, Trolls, Wolves, and giant spiders. Bilbo and the dwarves never have to fight Smaug though. One of the BEST works of all time in my opinion and lots of other peoples' opinions. I STRONGLY encourage you to buy this book. You should also buy the Lord of the Rings because The Hobbit is a prelude to the Lord of the Rings. You can either buy The Lord of the Rings as a trilogy Fellowship of the Ring, Two Towers, and Return of the King, or you can buy all three books in one volume, simply called the Lord of the Rings. You have to get this book!!!!!!
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Summary: This book needs to be read out loud.
Review: Do your children a favor, read them this book before you take them to see any of the LOTR movies. It is stunning, funny, scary, all of the good things a bedtime book should be.
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Summary: Highly over rated
Review: I'm thrilled that I read something by Tolkien the whole way through, so that I can now, without any doubt, say that I absolutely hate his writing, and I will never pick up another one of his books again. I love fantasy, and it's about the only genre I read these days, but Tolkien does absolutely nothing for me. The story was extremely childish (which, I suppose, makes sense, since it was written as a children's story). Bilbo and company would get themselves in trouble, and the solutions and the ways they got out of seemingly overwhelming circumstances were' laughable at best. Trolls get turned to stone by the coming of dawn, giant spiders easily abandon their prey at the sound of a taunt, and even the dragon proves to be less than fierce. Very silly indeed. The writing style was incredibly repetitive! If I had to read, one more time that 'Bilbo wished he was back in his hobbit hole' and not for the last time!' I would have had it. As it was, the repetition was really trying my patience. Also, the first person narrator bothered me. Who WAS this person? If he constantly refers to himself as 'I', then he should make it clear who he is, and how he knows all about the hobbit's adventures! Even the storyline was incredibly linear and predictable. There was little to no excitement in the entire book, and nothing caught me by surprise. Overall, I know my opinion is an unpopular one, and there are many fans of Tolkien's writing. I'll just have to accept that I'll never be among them.
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Summary: It wasn't an exciting book up until the very end
Review: This book didn't expand my imagination, like Harry Potter does. It was slow moving, and quite uneventful, until the very end. The book didn't become decent, until it was almost over. The ending was exciting. But every event up until then meant very little to me and did very little for me. I didn't even like the style in which the book was written. I actually give it 2 and half stars, because it wasn't horrible. At one point I did enjoy reading it. I just didn't think it was the great book every says it is. However I will read the whole Lord of the Ring series. Because it is not an insufferable book.
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Summary: Hit The Adventure Road With Bilbo Baggins & Friends!
Review: "The Hobbit: or There and Back Again" was my introduction to the extraordinary world of J.R.R. Tolkien. I have read "The Hobbit" at least four times in the thirty-five years since I first discovered it, and have never ceased to be thrilled by Bilbo Baggins and his brave cohorts. Their quest to destroy the evil dragon Smaug, recover stolen gold, deliver the enslaved people of Lake Town, and the strong bond of friendship they forge along the way, has thrilled millions of readers. Although "The Hobbit" is a prequel, of sorts, to the "Lord Of The Rings Trilogy," it stands on its own as a wonderful tale of magical fantasy, and as a story of personal courage and growth. "In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat: it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort. It had a perfectly round door like a porthole, painted green, with a shiny yellow brass knob in the exact middle. The door opened on to a tube-shaped hall like a tunnel: a very comfortable tunnel without smoke, with panelled walls, and floors tiled and carpeted, provided with polished chairs." Tolkein's description of the Hobbit's home is important to form an understanding of Bilbo Baggins' character. Mr Baggins is the particular Hobbit of note, for whom the book is titled. He likes nothing more than comfort, and dislikes nothing more than change. What is a hobbit, you ask? Hobbits are "a race of small, plump people about half the size of humans, with furry toes and a great love of good food and drink." Unfortunately they no longer live on Earth. Bilbo, who leads a very comfortable life at his home, Bag End, near the bustling village of Hobbiton, is rudely interrupted one day by a wise old wizard, Gandolf the Gray. Gandolf, with a great deal of pressure, persuades Bilbo to set out with thirteen angry, and determined dwarves, to reclaim their stolen treasure from a terrible dragon. The Hobbit, who has never stolen anything in his life, nor would he think to do so, is proclaimed "The Burglar." And the skeptical dwarves are reassured by Gandolf that "there is more to Bilbo than meets the eye." The troop ventures off, through various mysterious, mystical lands that no longer exist on Earth - Rivendell, the elves stronghold, the Misty Mountains, Mirkwood Forest, Lake Town and the Lonely Mountains. They meet and befriend numerous memorable characters along the way, and encounter fiendish enemies also. It is on this journey that Bilbo finds the all powerful golden ring, that plays such an important role in Tolkein's masterful epic the "Lord Of The Ring Trilogy." Before Bilbo can return to the comfort and security of Bag End, he will fight many battles, change lives, influence the future, and undergo changes himself. The drama, suspense and sheer beauty of Tolkien's tale will captivate you. It is truly an unforgettable story, written in a most unique literary style, by a man who has created and peopled an entire world, and given its inhabitants a new language. Brilliant!
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Summary: really good
Review: I first read the hobbit in 6th grade, so that i could have a head start on the Lord of the Rings series. I didnt really expect to like the book, but once i picked it up i could't put it down. The detailed writing of J.R.R Tolkien had me hooked. All of the magic, dragons, and other fantasy creatures were perfect for the type of book i liked to read. I would reccomened this book to anyone who loves fantasy or is just looking for a good read!
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